Portrait of Christelle Nkounhawa-Fotso: A Northern Vision of Early Childhood Education

Originally from the West region of Cameroon, within the Bamiléké Banjun community, Christelle Nkounhawa-Fotso arrived in Canada with an already rich professional background. As a former principal of both a primary and nursery school, she spent many years supporting educational teams and guiding children in their learning journeys.

“I am someone who adapts very easily to change. I like to describe myself as a chameleon,” she says with a smile.

A fitting image that reflects her ability to navigate different contexts, understand new environments, and integrate into them with sensitivity.

A New Beginning in the North, Rooted in Curiosity and Courage

Christelle chose to settle in Yellowknife, encouraged by her brother who was already living in the city. She arrived with a desire to discover a new living environment, new ways of thinking, and a different educational system. She was quickly drawn to the calm, the sense of community, and the blend of rural and urban life.

“When I set foot on the land of Yellowknife, I said: this is my home. [...] Yellowknife is for life.”
The North became a place of belonging and possibility.

Through conversations and exchanges with other newcomers, Christelle learned that Collège Nordique offered English classes as well as continuing education opportunities in early childhood. This discovery opened a new professional chapter that aligned perfectly with her background and her desire to deepen her expertise in the field.

An Experienced Professional Choosing Early Childhood in the North

Driven by her passion for children’s holistic development and her natural sense of educational leadership, Christelle first enrolled in the Government of the Northwest Territories’ free early childhood training, then continued with courses offered by Collège Nordique. There, she discovered a renewed pedagogical vision that allowed her to broaden her practice and integrate tools adapted to the northern context.

She emphasizes the importance of research in advancing the field:

“Research is important because it helps innovate in early childhood education.”

A Daily Practice Shaped by Care, Structure, and Children’s Expression

While waiting for the opening of La Tanière, the new childcare centre she is preparing to join, Christelle works within a school environment and the school board, where she contributes to developing educational materials and supports children in a warm and secure setting.

Her approach is interactive, rooted in communication, creativity, music, and play. For her, emotional safety is the foundation of a child’s overall development. She carefully plans activities to maintain stable routines, foster autonomy, and create spaces where children feel free to express themselves.

She also notes differences between the educational practices of both countries: in Cameroon, after-school programming is more academically oriented, while in the Northwest Territories, it focuses more on play, relaxation, and well-being — an approach she deeply values.

An Educational Vision Anchored in the North: Solidarity, Respect, and Openness

Northern culture inspires great respect in Christelle, especially the role of Elders in education. Their presence, wisdom, and ability to transmit local history speak to her. In her future childcare centre, she hopes to include Elders and community partners to create an environment grounded in the cultural realities of the Northwest Territories.

Among the values she aims to foster from an early age:

• solidarity
• respect for others, for Elders, and for the environment
• openness to diverse cultures
• curiosity and autonomy

For Christelle, being an educator means embracing a “four-way relationship: with oneself, with the children, with the team, and with families.” A philosophy shaped by both her experience and her deep sense of educational responsibility.

Advice for Those Dreaming of Working in Early Childhood in the North

Christelle emphasizes the importance of personal reflection before entering the profession:

“Before starting a career in early childhood, you need to do an introspection to be sure it’s truly the right profession for you.”

She also hopes to raise awareness among parents about the essential role educators play in their children’s development and in supporting social cohesion.

Building the Future: Making La Tanière a Reference Centre

Christelle looks to the future with ambition. Her goal is clear:

“My project for the future is to make La Tanière a reference early childhood centre in Yellowknife.”

She hopes to create an innovative educational space rooted in community collaboration, cultural integration, and the promotion of the French language in a minority context.

Published on December 18th 2025